Number-setting mechanism for a calculating and such machines

ABSTRACT

A number-setting mechanism for a calculating or like machine in which decimal numbers are entered comprising: a mechanical setting store with a plurality of decimal orders having in each order at least one settable member adapted to be set in a plurality of different positions, a pair of complementary stepped profiles adapted to be shifted variably according to the position which the settable member is to reach, a pair of reading elements for the stepped profiles movable for complementary strokes and two positioning members shiftable in opposite directions under the control of the reading elements to bring positively the settable member from any previously occupied position to the position to be reached, said stepped profiles being shifted under the control of at least an encoding device actuated by numerical keys.

PATENTED ms 012m sam 01 er 15 Fig. 1

Fig. 1

Fig. 11 Fig. 10

Fig. 12

PATENTEDAUGIOIHYI 3.598.305

sum o2ur15 PATENTEU AUG 1 0 |97| SHEET 08 F 15 Fig. 6

INVENTOR EITORE ABB/H77 INVENTOR Fig.7

PATENTED aus 1 0 um PATENTED nu m 0 |97| SHEET 09 UF 15 umm PATENTF.D ms 1 0 |91| SHEET 12 UF 15 IN VENTOR 5770/95 f183/07/ SHEET 13 [IF 15 PATENTED aus 1 0 um INVENTOR E770/95- /9BBIAT/ PATENTED aus 1 0 um suw 1u ur 1 1 N VENTOR.

' I11UMBER-SETTING MECHANHSM mm A CALCUILATIING AMD SUCH MACHINES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION of these mechanisms, the numbers set 01' entered on a keyboard selectively position code bars, the positions of which are transferred through the medium of a decoder 10 a wheeltype setting store. This mechanism has a large number of parts, as a result cf which it becomes very complicated and costly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The technical problem which the present invention is intended 10 solve is Co produce a mechanism for setting a ser1es of storage membe1s for decimal numbers, coded for exarnple through the medium of a numerical l-key keyboard without any intermediate coding device for the decimal numbers that are entered.

According to the invention there is provided a number setting mechanism for a calculating machine 01' other ma'e'hine in which decimal numbers are entered, comprising a mechanical setting store with a plurality of decimal orders havihg in each order at least one settable member adapted to b'e -Set in at least two different positions, a pair of complementarystepiaed profiles adapted to be shifted variably according to theposition which the settable member is to nach and adapted be read simultaneously by a pair of reading elements movable for complementary strokes, two positioning members beirig an ranged to shift in opposite directions under the control of the reading elements respectively and being adapted to engage the FIG. B6 is a diagram of the working cycle of the mechanisrn embodying the invention shown in FIG. l;

FIG. 17 is a side view from the left, partly in section, of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a section on the line XVIHXVIII of FIG. l'7',

FIG. 19 is a partial section on the Iine XIXXIX of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a partial section an the line XX-XX of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a diagram of the working cycle of lhe mechanism 0fFlG. 17.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT General Description A first setting mechanism embodying the invention is incon porated in a calcuiating machine comprising a numerical I0- "key keyboard constituted by a series of 10 keys 22 (FIGS. l

a11d 4) for entering o1 setting the 10 digits of the decimal System. The keyboard is adapted to ende the decimal numbers in giccordance with a biquinary code constituted by a quinary digit of weight l and a binary digit of weight 5. The keys 21 are adpted to act alternately on one or the other of two series of five code bars 22a22e (FIG. 5) and 23a-23e respectively, to Set selectively one of the bars, which represent the quinary p31'1 of the decimal digits entered.

The mechanism moreover comprises another two Code bars 23 and 25 respectively disposed in correspondence with the cdde bars 23 and 22 and adapted likewise to be actuated altet hately and selectively by the keys 21. The code bars 24 and '25 rebresent the binary part of the coded decimal digit.

The'quinary digits that are set are read cyclically by a slider "31!(F1G. l) provided with two projections o1 extensions 32 settable member from opposite directions to bring it positfvely from any previously occupied position to the said positibn to y and 33 for reading the digits set in the code bars 22 or the code bars 23. These digits are carried to a transfer register constituted by a slider 34 (FIGS. 10 and H) which temporari- 'ly stores the digit entered. Similarly, the binary digits are 1ead 'cyclically by a slider 36 (FIG. 3) provided with two projections 37 and 38f01' reading the bar 24 or the bar 25. The resuh cf this reading is carried to a transfer regisler constituted by a v slider39 (FIGS. 13 and I4). Thc slider 34 is pmvided with two storage deVices 41 and 42 (FIGS. 10 and H) adapled 10 sture ternately on the depression of the successive keyS in such a manner as t0 permit the depression of a new key even during the setting of the number corresponding to the preceding key.

The mechanism can be provided with two si2tting stores 1 adapted to be sel by two pairs of positioning members} a common actuating device being adapted to actuate the said pairs of positioning members alternately and tobe changedov:r for the actuation on the depression of each of a series of funCtion keys. 1

BRIEF DESCRIPTIION OF THE DRAWINGS FlG. 1 is a partial side view from the left Cf a first ernl bodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial section 011 the Eine ll-ll Qf EIG. 1; FKG. 3 is a partial section on the line lll llllpf FIG. 2;

the same quinary digit and to he read alternately by two reders 43 and 44 In the same way the siider 39 is provided with two devices 51 and 52 (FIGS. 13 and 14) both adapted 10 ster'e the same binary digit and 10 be read alternately by two readers 53 and 54. The changeover between the reader 43 and t he rea'der44 and between the reader 53 and the reader EM is Cdntr0lled by the depression of a generic operating key of the calculating machine.

Finafly, thedata read by the readers 43 and 53 and by the readers 4M1and 54 are respectively carried to two setting stores FIG. 4 is a front view, partly in sect ion, bf 1he meehenism of 1 from thc Ieft{ Thfi: numerical keyboard is constituted by the ten keys 211 (FIGS. i and 1) arranged 011 the front left-hand part of the machine 1uith1he keys corresponding to the digits from l 10 9 ligned in three transverse rows and with the 0 key disposed on the left of the-l key. Bach of these keys 21 is supported by a plane verticabplate 61 inc\ined with respect t0 the transverse and longitdinal planes of the keyboard. The plates 61 are all pa'rallel toone another and are aligned in a single transverse 10W in corro3spondence with the central row of keys. Each plale 61 is guided in a fixed lower plane 66 and in a fixed uppe1 plate 69. Euch plute 6! is moreover normally caused 10 benr against lhd plate6) under the aclion of a spring 70,

Euch platc M isprovidcd with two oppositc projcctions 7! und 72 (FIGS; 11 und 4). 1hc projcclion i! bcing adapied 10 1:0operntc with 11 lug 73 of one 0f the ende bars 22.and the pro- 75" jctidn 72 With 11 I\Ig M nfone cf thc code burs 23. More pan ticu1arly, the projections 71 of the key and 01 the 5 key are adapted to cooperate with the two 1ugs 73 of the code bar 22a and the projections 72 of the same keys are adapted to cooperate with the two lugs 74 of the code bar 23a; the projections 71 of the 1 and 6 keys are adapted to cooperate with the two lugs 73 of the bar 22b and the projections 72 of the same keys with the two 1ugs 74 of the bar 23b; the projections 71 of the 2 and 7 keys are adapted to cooperate with the two lugs 73 o1 the bar 220 and the projections 72 of the same keys with the two lugs 74 cf the bar 23c; the projections 71 of the 3 and 8 keys are adapted to cooperate with the two lugs 73 of the bar 22d and the projections 72 of the same keys with the 1ugs 74 of the bar 23d; finally, the projections 71 01 the 4 and 9 keys are adapted 10 cooperate with the two lugs 73 of the bar 22e and the project'ions 72 of the same keys with the lugs 74 01 the bar 23e. The code bars 24 and 25, on the other hand, are provided with a series of five lugs 76 and 77, respectively, adapted to cooperate with projections 78 and 79, respectively, formed on the plates 61 o1 the keys corresponding to the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The code bars 22, 23, 24 and 25 are all disposed transverse- 1y in the frame of the keyboard and are carried by two pairs of plates 81 and 82 (F10S. 1 and 3) fixed to the two sides 01 the plates 66 and 69. Bach of the bars 22a-22e is provided with two extensions 83a83e and 84e engaged in two slots 86a 86e and 87a87e formed respectively in the plales 81 and in the plates 82. Each 01' the bars 23a23e is provided with two extensions 88a-88e and 89a89e engaged respectively in two slots 91a91e and 92a92e in the plates 81 and 82. Similar1y, the bar 24 is provided with two extensions 93 and 94 engaged respectively in two slots 96 and 97 in the plates 81 and 82 and the bar 25 is provided with two extensions 98 and 99 engaged in two slots 101 and 102 in the plates 81 and 82. The s1ots 86, 87, 91. 92, 101 and 102 have substantially the shape 01' an eight, thus forming a guide for the transvcrsc movements o1 the rcspective bars and a pivot for the rolation o1 the bars.

Each Code bar 22 is moreover provided with a projection 111 (F108. 2 and 4) and each code bar 23 with a projection 112. Similar1y, the code bar 24 is provided with a projection 113 and the code bar 25 with a projection 114. The projections 111 and the projection 114 are adapted to cooperate respr'actively with the right face and the left face of a universal bar 116 (F10. 5) carried by a rocker 117 which can turn in two notch in the plates 66 and 69. The projections 112 and the projection 113 (F10. 2), on the other hand, are adapted to eooperate respectively with the right face and the left face 01' another universal bar 119 (F10. 5) carried by the rocker 117. The universal bar 116 of the rocker 117 is connected 10 a 1ever 120 (F1GS. 2 and 6) pivoted on a fixed spindle 121 and connected by a pin and s1ot to a lever 122 pivoted on a fixed pin 123. The lever 122, in tum, is connected by a pin and slot to a lever 126 pivoted on a fixed spindle 127 and normal1y bearing under the action of a spring 128 against a cam 129 on a main shaft 130 rotatable in the frame of the machine.

The code bars 22 and 23 (FIGS. 2 and 4) are moreover provided with projections 131 and 132 and with springs 133 and 134 which pull the Code bars 10 the 1eft so that t he projeclion 131 or 132 bears againsl the plate 81, and the projcction 111 1 or 112 hears against the universal bar 116 or 119 ufthc rockcr 117. The springs 133 are moreover adaptcd 10 hold 1hc rcspective code bars 22 turned anticlockwise (F10. 5), while the springs 134 hold the c0de bars 23 turned clockwise. In each p1ate 81 and 82 there are formed two series o1 five rectangular slots 141, 142 which are aligned vcrtically and disposed respectively in correspondence with the paths of the individual projections 131 and 132 cf the code bars 22 and 23 (F10. 1).

Similarly, the code bars 24 and 25 are provided with projec tions 143 and 144, (F10. 2) and wi1h springs 146 and 147 adaptcd 10 pull thc. respective code bar 10 the right so thal onc 01 lhc projcctions 143 and 144 bcars ugainst thc right .sidc 82 01' 1hc kcyhoard, and the projck:tin 113 nr 114 bcar.s againsl the universal bar 119 or 116 o1 the rocker 117. The spring 146 is moreover adapted to hold the bar 24 (F10. 5) turned clockwise and the spring 147 is adapted to hold the bar 25 turned anticlockwise. Final1y, in each p1ate 82 there is formed a slot 148, 149, disposed respectively in correspondence with the paths of the projections 143 and 144 of the code bars 24 and 25.

1n the position shown in F1GS. 1 and 2, the code bars 22 bear against the plate 81 with their respective projections 131 and are located with their 1ugs 73 in the path cf the corresponding projections 71. Simi1arly, the Code bar 24 is caused t0 bear against the plate 82 with its projection 143 and is located with the lugs 76 in the path of the corresponding projections 78. Thecode bars 23 and the code bar 25, on the other hand, have their projections 112 and 114 respectively bearing against the universal bars 119 and 116 of the rocker 117 and have the lugs 74 out of the path of the projections 72 and the lugs 77 out of the path of the projections 79.

Each code bar 22 is moreover provided with another pro jection 151 (F10. 2). A11 these projections are adapted 10 cooperate with a frame 153 pivoted in the frame of the machine. The frame 153 is moreover engaged (F10. 3) in a slot 157 ofa slider 158 (F10. 2) guided by means 0f a slot 159 on a pin 160 of the plate 66. In the same way, each ende bar 23 is provided with another projection 161, all these proje tions being adapted to cooperate with a frame 163 pivoted in the frame of the machine and engaged in the slot 157 of the slider 158 (F10. 2), which is connccted 10 a 1ever 168 pivoted on a fixed spindle 169. Under the action of a spring 171, the lever 168 is normally caused 10 bear against a fixed pin 172. The lever is moreover arranged (F10. 7) 10 cooperate with a pair 01 release teeth 174 (F10. 13) of a clutch 176 which, are Iocated diametrically opposite to each other with respect to the shaft 130. Therefore the c1utch 176 when it is closed or engaged, connects a driving shaft 178 (F10. 7) t0 lhe main shaf! 130 and causes the main shaft 130 (F10. 13) 10 perform a clockwise rotation Of 180; in a manner known per .sc.

Finally, each p1atc 61 (F10. 1) is adaptcd 10 cooperate with a crosspiece cf a bail 182 pivoledin two fixed s1ots 183. The bail 182 is provided with an arm 184 which operales a time switch o1 a type known per se and not shown in the drawings. The time switch is included in the circuit of the usua1 electric motor, which rotates the driving shaft 178.

Transfer registers The slider 31 (F108. 1 and 10) is guided longitudinally by means of two slots 201 and 202 which engage two pins 203 and 204 (F10. 10) on the plate 81. The two reading projections 32 and 33 (F10. 1) of the slider 31 are alike and are each constituted by a step system having five steps located in correspondence with the paths of the projections 8311-832 and 880-882, respectively, of the bars 22 and 23.

The s1ider 31 is provided with a vertical slot 211 (F10. 10) in which there is engaged a stud 212 01' a rocking lever 213 pivoted on a pin 214. The pin 214 is carried by a 1ever 216 pivoted on lhe fixed spindle 127 and adapted 10 cooperate under the action cf a spring 218 with a cam 219 on the main shaft 130.

The rocking lever 213 is normally held in thc verlical inoperative position by a spring 218 a1tached 10 thc lcver 216 through the beuring 01' thc slider 31 and thc mcking 1cvcr il.sclf against two fixer! stops 233 and 234. The slider 31 is morcovcr pulled f0rward by a spring 236 ovcr which thc action 01 lhc spring 218 prevails. The slider 31 is furthermorc connected hy a pin and s1ot to a lever 243 pivoted an a fixed spindle 244 and provided with a stepped seclor having five steps 247 adapted 10 cooperate selectively with a stud 248 an the rocking lever 213.

Finally,1he slider 31 is provided with a pin 252 which can cooperate with a s1ot 253 in the slider 34, which is guided in its longitudinalmovements through the medium 01' the s101 253 0n thpin 252 and=through the medium of a slnt 254 (F10. 11) on a fixcd pin255. The slider 34 is adaptedlo cooperatc by mcanu 01 im front cnd 256 (F10. 10) with u stud 257 01a rocking leVer 258 -pivoted on a fixed spindle 259 and sonnected by means of a link 261 to the stud 248 of the rocking lever2-13. The slider 34 moreover cooperates with a spring positionhg detent 264 adapted to hold it in five different positions.

is provided with two reading projections 37 and 30 (F1G. 3)

which are alike and are respectively located in correspon dence with the paths of the extensions 04 and 99 of thecode bars 24 and 25.

The slider 36 is provided witl1 a vertical slot 311 (F1G. 13) in which there is engaged a stud 312 of a rocking lever 313 pivoted on a pin 314. The pin 314 is carried by a lever 316 pivoted on the spindle 127 and adapted to cooperate under the action of a spring 318 with a cam 319 on the main shaft 130. The cam 319 is identical to the cam 219 and is in phase therewith. The rocking 1ever 313 is normally hold in the vertical inoperative pnsition by means of a spring 310 attached to the lever 316 through the bearing of the slider 36 and the rocking lever itself against two fixed stops 323 and 324. The

slider 36 is pulled forward by a spring 326 and is connected by a pin and slot to a lever 333 which is pivoted on the spindle 244 and is provided with two steps 337, 330 adapted .to cooperate selectively with a stud 339 of the rocking lever 313.

Finally, the slider 36 is provided with a pin 342 adapted to cooperate with a sloi 343 m the slider 39, which is guided in its longitudinal movements by the slot 343 itself on thepin 343 and by a slot 344 (F10. 14) on a fixed pin 345. The slider 39 is with a stud 347 of a rocking lever 348 pivoted on the spindle. 259 and connected by means 01 a link 351 to the stud 339 01 positioning detent 354 adapted to hold it in two differerit psiadapted to cooperate by means of its front end 346 (F1G. 13)

transverse bar 463 (FIG.10). The carriage 461 (F1G.6) engages with a pinion 462 ,whjch is rotatable step by step by means of a step-by-step advancing device of any known type. The two advancing devices;are actuated alternatcly by a cam on the main shaft 130, 111153 cam not being showh in the drawings, and the changeover is controlled by the opdrating keys in known manner. The two levers 430 and 451 are disposed in the same longitudinal plane and are adapted 10 cooperate in succession with lugs 463 of a series 01 storage bars 469 each of which is adapted to be hold in five different positions by a leaf-spring positioning element 471 and is there fore adapted 10 store a quinary digit. In F1G. 10, the storage bars 460 an: storing the digit zero.

' The store 56 comprises a second reader constituted by a rocking lever 491 which is adapted to read cyclically the digits .set in the slider 39 and stored temporarily by the device 51. T he roclcing lever 491 is guided by a slot 492 on a fixed pin 493 and normally bears under the action of a spring 494 against two fixed stops 495.

intermediate portion of the bar 503 is of substanlially rectangular section with the pivots 504 and 505 disposed in the lower part of tliis section. Slidable on the bar 503 by means of a slot 506 is a setting lever 500. The rocking lever 491 is connected by a pin and slot to a second crank 513 fixed to a bar 514 which can turn by means of two pivotlike ends 516 and 517 in the frame of the machine. The intermediate portion of .the bar 514 is also 01 rectangular section, with the pivots 516 and 517 disposed in the lower part of this section. Slidable 1 transversely 011 the bar 514 by means of a slot 510 is a lever the rocking lever 313. The slider 39 cooperates with a spring tions. As already stated, hereinbefore, the slider 39 is prdvided with two storage devices 51 and 52 (FIGS. 13 and 14)each 01 which is constituted by a symmetrical pair ofprofiles 361, 362 and 363, 364, respectively. 1

Setting stores 3 The two stores 56 and 58 are alike. For simplicity,only the sture 56 will be described, it being understood that the numerals relating to the store 58 will be distinguished by aprime. The store 56 comprises a reader constituted by a rocking lever 411 (FIGS. 6 and 10) guided by a slot 412 on a fixed pin 413 and normally bearing under the action of a spring 4l4against two fixed stops 416.

The rocking lever 411 is provided with two bent lugs 426 and 427 adapted to cooperate with the stepped profiles 271 and 272, respectively, of the storage device 41. The {Wo lugs 426 and 427 are at a distance apart such that theyare able to 521. The two levers 500 and 521 are engaged in a slot 520 in the plate 460 of the carriage 461. The two levers 508 and 521 are disposed in the same longitudinal plane and are adapted to advance, with lugs 538 01 a serics ol storage bars 539, each 01 which is adapted 10 be held in two different positions by a spring positioning element 541 and is therefore adapted to store a binary digit.

The changeover between the two stores 56 and is coutrolled by the dperating keys which act, via a kinematic chain read two complementary values on the two stepped profiles.

plates 428 FIG. 6 o1 the store througlr the medium of two pivotlike end 434 and 435. The intermediate portion 01 the bar 433 is of rectangular section with the edges rounded and with the pivots 434 and 435 disposed in the lower part'of this section. A slot 436 of a setting lever 430 is sliclable (m the bar 433.

The rocking levcr 411 is further connected by n pin and sloi to a crunk 443 fixcd tu a bar 444 which can turn by mcuns nf two pivutlikc cnds 446 und 447 in the frumv: 01 tlicstorc. 'l'lu: intcrmediate portion 01 the bar 444 is also of substunliully rectangular section with the pivots 446 and 447 disposed in of any known type, on two bars 601 and 602 which are moved longitudinally alternately into two different positions in which they are then Held in any known manner. The two bars 601 and 602 provide respectively for the changeover or exchange between the stores 56 and 50. The bar 601 (F1GS. 6, 0 and 10) carries 7 two cranks 606 and 606 alternately adapted to cooperate with two projections 607 and 607 of the rocking levers 411 and 411. 1n the drawings, the crank 606 is located in correspondence with the pmjection 607, while the crank 606 is out 01 engagement with the projection 607. Similarly, the bar 602 (F1GS. 7, 8 AND 13) carries two cranks 600 and 600 alternately adapted to cooperate with two projections 609 and 600 of the rocking levers 491 and 491. in the drawings, the crank 600 is in correspondence with the projection 609, while the crank 608 is out of engagemcnt witlr the projection 609. The bar 601 (F1GS. 6 and 10) is provided the lower portion ofthis section. A setting levef 451 is slidablctransversely on the bar 444 by means of a slot 440 Eaclr o1 the levers 438 and 451 is engaged in a slot 450 in a horizontal 616. '1hc slider 613 is connectcd hy u pin and slot 10 a lcver 617 pivoied nn the spindlc 127 und normally bearing under the nction of 11 spring 619 against a cam 620 nn the main shaft 130.81milarly. the bar 602 (FIG. 13) is provided with a pin 621cngagcd in a slot 622 in a slider 623 gui 1ed by means nf two slots 624 on two fixed pins 62.6. The slider 623 is moreover connected by a pin and slot to a lever 627 pivoted plane 460 forming a part of a carriage 461 guidad on -a fixed 'onthi-spindle 127 and normally bearing under the action 01 a spring 629 against 21 cam n the main shaft 130. 'Ihe cam 630 is identical 10 the cam 620 and is in phase 1herewith.

' Operation On the depression 0f a numerical key 21 (FIG. the c0r- (FIG. l) encoun1er s, by means of1he projection 71 or1he pr ojgction 72, the lugs 73 or 74 of the Code bar 22 or 23 corresponding the key 1ha1 is depressed. In addition, if1he key corrcsponds 10 um: 01 1hc numbcrs 1mm 0 10 4 the pla1c 61 cncounlcrs 0nc 01 the lugs 76 and 77 01'1he bar 24 0r 25 by means 0f1he projection 78 or the projec1ion 79.

Le1 is be assumed, f0r example 1hat the keyboard is in the s1a1e shown in FIG. 2 and that the 0 key is depressed. 'Ihe projection 71 and 1he projection 78 of the pla1e 61 of the 0 key ac1on a Iug 73 and a Iug 76, respectively, of1he code bars 22a and 24. The code bar 22a (FIG. l) is turned clockwise un1il i1s projection 131 enters the corresponding s101 141 in the left side 81. The spring 133 (FIG. 2) associated with this code bar causes the bar 10 shift 10 the lef1, thus bringing the ex1ension 83a into the path of the s1ep system 32 o1 the slider 31. The code bar 24 (I-IG. 3), on the other band, is 1urned an 1iclockwise un1i1 the projec1ion 143 en1ers 1he slo1 148 in the right side 82. The spring 146 (FIG. 2) causes1his bar 10 translate 10 the righ1, so 1ha1 1he extension 94 is b| 0ught in1o the path 0f the projection 37 of1he slider 36. The shifting 0f1he code bar 22a 10 the Ieft causes, via the corresponding projec- 1ion 151, the an1iclockwise turning of the frame 153 and,

94 of the code bar 24,- 1he rocking lever 313 1urns anticlockwise until the s1ud339 bears agains1 the s1ep 337 01 the lever 333. lf a key corresponding 10 a number fromfive 10 nine is depressed, the slider 36 c0n1inues i1s forward movement unti1 the pin 342 reaches the end of i1s travel in.1hii slo1 343. Consequently, the rocking lever 313 now contin'ues the clockwise turning movement and the final posi1i0n is determined by the bearing of the stud 339 agains1 the step 338 01' the lever 333.

Retuming 10 the case under examina1ion, in which decimal number 0 is being entered, 1he 1urning 0f the rocking lever 313 causes, via the link 351, the tuming anticlockwise 01 the rocking Iever 348, which bears 1hrough the medium of1he stud 347 agains1 the front end 346 of the slider 39. The pin 342 01 the slider 36 bears similarly against the end 01 the slo1 343 in the slider 39, which is 1hus positioned positively. The 1w0 pairs of profiles 361, 362 and 363, 364 (FIGS. 13 and 14) are thus bo1h positioned in such manner as 10 store the binary digit of the decimal number entered.

In the arc 0f rotation be1ween 60 and 120, the cams 219 and 319 (FIGS. 10 and 13) bring back 10 res1 the respective rocking Ievers 213 and 313 and, therefore, also the s1iders 31 therefore, via the slider 158, the anticlockwise turning of the Iever 168, which m use. the closing 0r engagemen1 of the clu1ch 176 (FIG. 7), thus setting the main shaft 130 in ro ta1ion for a rota1ion cyc1e of 180.

'Ihe operations 01' reading and se1ting the data will be described with reference 10 the diagram illustrating the cycle o1 the main shaf1 130 which is given in FIG. 16. In the first 60 01 r01a1ion of the main shaft,1he cam 219 (FIG. 10) causes1he Iever 216 10 turn clockwise. The pin 214 is shifted forward and 1hus permits the s1ider 31 10 shif1 forward under the action of the spring 236. The rocking lever 213 therefor begins a clockwise rotation which is interrupted when the step System 32 (FIG. 1) encounters the ex1ension 83 of the ende bar 22 which has been ac1uated by the depressed key. In the case under examination, in which the 0 key has been deprcssed, the slider 31 performs only the stroke corresponding 10 the making up 01 the gap which thereis a1 rest between the extension 83a of the bar 22a and the corresponding step of the projec- 1ion 32.

The pin 214 (FIG. 10) continues i1s forward m0vement and the rocking Iever now 1ums anticlockwise abou1 the stud 212 and 36 and the rocking levers 258 and 348. The two sliders 34 and 39, on the o1her hand, remain in the position into which 1hey have been brought and 1hus store through the medium 01 the profiles 271, 272; 273, 274 and 361, 362, 363, 364, respectively, the quinary digi1 and the binary digi1 of 1he decimal number en1ered. In the an: of ro1a1ion between 120 and 180, the1wo cams 219 and 319 have a p0r1ion of circular profile, so 1ha1the 1w0 systems controlled by 1hem are held in the rast position.

' For the first 60 0f ro1ation 0f the main shaf1 130, the cams 620 and 630 have a circular profile portion. The kinema1ic chains controlled by them thereforc remain ini1ially in the res1 position. During this period, under the contr0l 01 the shaft 130, the advancing device causes the pinion 462 10 ro1ate by 0ne step and the pinion causes the carriage 461 10 advance by 0ne s1ep, while the 01her advancing device is disengaged and the carriage 461 rerhains in the rast posi1i0n. The set1ing levers 438 and 451 (FIG. 10) are1hus brought in1o correspondence': wi1h'the firs1 storage bar 469 10r the quinarvdigit and 1hfi': set1ing levers 508 and 521 (FIG. 13) are br0ught in10 C01- respondence With the first storage bar f0r the binary digit.

In the arc be1ween 60 and 120, the cams 620 and- 630 cause therespective levers 617 and 62710 1urn anticlockwise. The lever 617 carries the slider 613 downwards and this slider 'acts by means of1he slot 612 0n the pin 611 and causes the bar as far as1he posi1i0n shown in chain-dot1ed lines in FIG. 10, in

During this movemen1, the rocking lever 213 turns abou1 the pin 214 by a number 0f steps which is complementary 10 the value of the quinary digit entered. The rotation of the rocking lever 213 causes the rota1ion o1 the rocking lever 258 f0r the same number of steps via the link 261 and the iast-mcntioned rocking lever coop0ra1es wi1h the'fron1 end 256 of the slider 34. Thc forward movemen1 o11he slider 31 by a number 01' sleps cqual 10 the value o1 the quinary digit entercd morcovcr brings the pin 252 agains1 the end 0f 1hcslot 253 in 1he slider 34, which is thus set positively in 1he position corresponding 10 the quinary digit o11he decimal number en1ered. The 1w0 pairs o1 s1epped profiles 271, 272 and 273, 274 (FIGS. 10 and 11) are 1hus b01h positioned in accordance wi1h 1hc quinary digit ofthe decimal number en1ered.

A1 the same time and in similar manner. the binary digi1 is set in the slider 39 (FIG. 13). 'Ihe cam 319 causes the lever 31610 1urn clockwise and 1hus ca1ises the pin 314 10 shif1 forward. In the case under examination, af1er a first turning movement clockwise 10 make up the gap existing a1 rast between the projec1ion 37 of the Slider 36 and the extensio'tf 601 10 r01ate in such manner 1ha1 the crank 606 carries 1he rocking lever 411 upwards, while the crank 606 is raised idly, (compare FIGS. 6 and 8). The tw0 lugs 426 and 427 (FIG. 10) of the rocking lever 411 bear on the two s1epped profiles 271 and 272, respectively, and cause 1he cranks 432 and 443 10 1urn anticlockwise and clockwise, respectively, and, 1herefore,

the two setting Ievers 438 and 451 10 1um by a number of s1eps which are complementary 10 one another. In the case of the set1ing of the digit 0, 1he lever 438 tums by a small amount corresponding 10 1he making-up 01 the gap existing between i1 and the firs1 step 01 the stepped profile 271, while the lug 427 reads the last step and 1hercfore causes the Iever 451 10 mm by four s1eps. The 1w0 levers 438 and 451 1hus convergc 1m the lug 468 01 the firs1 01 the storagc bars 469 and position this bar posi1ively from the position prcviously occupied 10 the desired p0si1ion, s1oring in this way the quinary digi1 01 the decimal order cn1ered.

Simultaneously, the lever 627 (FIG. 13) brings the slider 623 downwards and this slider acts by means of1he sl01622 0n the pin 621 and causes1he bar 602 m ro1a1e in such manner as 10 carry the cranks 608 and 608 upwards. The crank 608 carries the rocking Iever 491 upwards, while the crank 608 is raised id1y. The 1wo lugs 496 and 497 01' the rocking lever 491 bear dn 1he 1w0 pr0files 361 and 362, respectively, causing the 1wo cranks 502 and 513 10 turn an1iclockwise and clockwise, res'pectively (FIG. 13), and, therefore, the 1w0 setting levers 

1. A mechanism for entering and storing up to a predetermined number of information characters comprising: a frame; a store including a settable member for each of said predetermined number of characters; means for receiving a character from a source; transfer register means comprising a transfer member movably mounted on said frame and coopErating with said receiving means to be differentially moved according to the value of the character entered into said receiving means for positionally indicating said value; a stepped extension fixedly mounted on said transfer member and movable therewith, said stepped extension having a plurality of shoulders of varying depth according to the various positions of said transfer member; reading means including a sensing element movable for engagement with one of the shoulders of said extension for sensing the position of said transfer member; and positioning means movable under the control of said sensing element for bringing a selected one of said settable members to a position corresponding to the position of the sensed transfer member.
 2. A mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein said transfer member is formed of a slider movable in a first direction in accordance with the value of the character entered by said receiving means, said sensing member being movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction for sensing the shoulders of said slider.
 3. A mechanism as recited in claim 2, wherein each one of said settable members includes a projection, and wherein said positioning means comprise two positioning members movable in opposite directions under the control of said sensing element for positively engaging two opposite edges of said projection of the selected one of said settable members to bring this latter member from any previous position to the position corresponding to the value of the character entered into said receiving means and indicated by the position of said slider.
 4. A mechanism according to claim 3 wherein said transfer register means further include a second extension mounted on said slider and movable therewith and having a profile of complementary configuration with respect to said profile of the other extension, and wherein said reading means further includes: a second sensing element for sensing said second extension; and a rocking lever carrying said sensing elements on opposite ends thereof, said sensing elements being spaced for engagement with complementary ones of said shoulders of said extensions, said sensing elements being associated with, and individually connected with said two positioning members, said rocking lever being operable for causing said sensing elements to simultaneously sense said extensions.
 5. A mechanism as recited in claim 4 further comprising two bars coupling the rocking lever to said positioning members, said members being mounted on said bars for longitudinal movement for being brought into correspondence with the successive settable members, said bars being rotatable by complementary amounts under the control of said rocking lever for actuating said positioning members.
 6. A mechanism as recited in claim 2, wherein said characters are formed of decimal figures encoded according to a biquinary code, and wherein said settable member is movable into one of five different positions for storing the quinary portion of the biquinary figure under the control of said positioning means, further comprising: a second settable member included in said store for each of said figures, and movable into one of two different positions for storing the binary portion of said biquinary figure; a second slider movable in accordance with the figure entered by said receiving means, a second transfer member included in said transfer register means for positionally indicating the figure entered into said receiving means, second reading means for sensing the position of said second transfer member; and second positioning means movable under the control of said second reading means for bringing a selected one of said second settable members to a position corresponding to the figure entered into said receiving means and sensed by said second reading means.
 7. A mechanism as recited in claim 6, further comprising a carriage transversely movable step by step On said frame with respect to said settable members, said first and second positioning means being carried by said carriage for simultaneously setting the successive pairs of said settable members.
 8. A mechanism entering and storing up to a predetermined number of information characters comprising: a set of keys for entering an information character; an encoding device for encoding a character entered by one of said keys, said encoding device comprising five code bars settable individually and selectively on the depression of one of said keys for indicating the quinary portion of a biquinary character and a further code bar settable selectively in combination with said five code bars for indicating the binary portion of said biquinary character; transfer register means including means for positionally indicating the value of the character encoded by said encoding device; a first reading slider having a stepped projection, said first reading slider being movable into one of five positions under the control of said five code bars, and a second reading slider having a projection and being movable into one of two positions under the control of said further code bar, said sliders cooperating with said transfer register means for bringing said indicating means from a previously occupied position to the position corresponding to the value of the character encoded on said encoding device.
 9. A mechanism as recited in claim 8, wherein said positioning means further comprise for each of said reading sliders means for biasing the corresponding reading slider in one direction, a pin shiftable in said direction by a predetermined stroke, a rocking lever having a clamped position and pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on said pin, one end of said rocking lever being coupled to said reading slider for holding said reading slider against the action of said biasing means while said rocking lever is in said clamped position, said pin operating to hold said lever in said clamped position while said pin is at one end of its stroke, the movement of said pin through its stroke operating to release said rocking lever for allowing said slider to move under the control of said biasing means by an amount determined by the associated code bars for moving the other end of said rocking lever into a position corresponding to the value of character coded on said associated code bars.
 10. A mechanism as recited in claim 9, wherein said positioning means further comprise for each of said reading sliders a pivotally mounted bellcrank having one arm coupled to said reading slider, the other arm including a face having a stepped profile, the movement of said reading slider under the control of said biasing means acting to rotate said bellcrank for bringing one of the steps of said profile into engagement with the other end of said rocking lever.
 11. A mechanism as recited in claim 10, wherein said positioning means further comprise for each of said reading sliders a second rocking lever coupled to said other end of said rocking lever and rotatable under the control thereof, a pair of positioning members, one of said positioning members being fixed to the reading slider, the other positioning member being fixed to said second rocking lever, the rotation of said second rocking lever and the movement of said reading slider acting to move said pair of positioning members in opposite directions for positively bringing said indicating means to the position corresponding to the character encoded on said encoding device.
 12. A mechanism for entering and storing up to a predetermined number of information characters comprising: a set of keys for entering an information character; a pair of encoding devices for encoding characters entered by said keys; changeover means for rendering alternatively operative said encoding devices, and actuating means operable on the depression of each of said keys for operating said changeover means.
 13. A mechanism as rEcited in claim 12, wherein each of said encoding devices comprises a series of quinary code bars and a binary code bar, said changeover means including universal bar alternately settable in two different positions by said actuation means for alternatively enabling one of said encoding devices and restoring the other.
 14. A mechanism as recited in claim 12, wherein said changeover means comprise two universal bars associated each one with said encoding devices and alternatively settable under the control of said actuating means for alternatively restoring said encoding devices and release means controlled by said actuating means for resetting either universal bar substantially simultaneously with the setting of the encoding device associated with the other universal bar.
 15. A mechanism as recited in claim 14, wherein said actuating means further comprise an element for alternatively setting said universal bars and means operable after said element sets one universal bar for shifting said element for enabling it to set the other universal bar.
 16. A mechanism as recited in claim 15, wherein said means for shifting said element of the actuating means comprise a pivotally mounted cross-shaped lever positionable alternately in one of two positions, said actuating means further comprising a member alternatively shiftable into two positions for cooperation with the arms of said cross-shaped lever for rotating it positively from one of its positions to the other.
 17. A mechanism as recited in claim 16, further comprising a two-position operating slider controlled by said cross-shaped lever and a rocking lever for shifting said member under the control of said two-position operating slider. 